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Split-screen mode on Mac is a powerful feature that can boost your productivity by allowing you to work with multiple applications at once.
Whether you’re a new, professional, or someone who loves to multitask, learning how to split your Mac screen can be a game-changer for managing your time and tasks more effectively.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to activate Split View, share tips for better screen management, and provide troubleshooting advice if you encounter any issues.
What is Mac Screen Splitting?
The ability to split your screen on Mac provides a practical way to use two apps side by side. With features like macOS’s native Split View and other built-in tools, Mac users can easily organize their workspace, increasing productivity. By mastering the screen splitting function, you can handle multiple tasks, browse the web, write documents, or compare files more efficiently—all without constantly switching between windows.
Key Features of Split View:
- Dual-Window Display: Both applications are visible and active, side by side.
- Full-Screen Mode: Each app is displayed in its own full-screen window, maximizing your screen real estate.
- App Resizing: You can adjust the width of the windows to suit your needs.
How to Activate Split Screen on Mac (Step-by-Step)
Activating Split View on your Mac is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
1. Enter Full-Screen Mode
To start, make sure both apps you want to use are open. Then, click the green button in the top-left corner of one app window to enter full-screen mode. The app will take up the entire screen.
2. Activate Split View
Once one app is in full-screen mode, hover your mouse over the green button again, but this time, hold the button for a few seconds. A new option will appear that says “Tile Window to Left of Screen” or “Tile Window to Right of Screen.”
- Click on one of these options, and the app will move to either the left or right side of the screen.
- The other half of the screen will display a thumbnail of other open apps. Click on the second app you want to use in Split View.
3. Adjust the Split View Windows
Once the apps are arranged side by side, you can resize the windows. To adjust the space each app takes, hover your mouse over the divider between the two apps. When the resize cursor appears, click and drag it to your desired width.
Using Mission Control to Split Screen
Mission Control is another powerful tool that helps you organize your apps and windows. It makes it easier to drag and drop windows into Split View.
Steps to Use Mission Control for Split View:
- Activate Mission Control: Swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad or press the F3 key.
- Drag Windows to Split View: In Mission Control, click and hold the app window you want to move. Drag it to the top of the screen, where it will open in full-screen mode.
- Tile Windows: Now, drag another app window to the opposite side to create Split View.
Tips and Tricks for Better Split-Screen Management
Managing multiple apps in Split View requires some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be more efficient than ever. Here are a few tips to enhance your experience:
1. Resize Windows for Better Workflow
- Adjust Window Sizes: When in Split View, you can resize both windows by dragging the divider between them. This allows you to prioritize the app you need most while still having the other app open for quick reference.
- Find the Optimal Split: If you need one window to be significantly larger than the other (e.g., a browser on one side and a document on the other), you can resize the divider to your exact needs. This way, you can tailor your workspace to your specific tasks.
2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Navigation
- Switch Apps Fast: Instead of clicking between windows, use the keyboard shortcut Command + Tab to cycle through open apps. This speeds up multitasking without interrupting your workflow.
- Full-Screen Mode: Quickly enter full-screen mode for any app by pressing Control + Command + F. This allows you to expand windows easily without clicking the green button.
3. Utilize Touchpad Gestures
- Switch Between Full-Screen Apps: If you’re working with multiple full-screen apps, use three fingers to swipe left or right on your trackpad. This allows you to jump between apps without leaving Split View mode.
- Access Mission Control: Swipe up with three fingers to activate Mission Control, giving you a quick overview of all your open apps. This feature is helpful if you need to quickly switch apps or drag another window into Split View.
4. Use Multiple Desktops for Added Flexibility
If you frequently work with different tasks that require more space, consider using Multiple Desktops in combination with Split View.
- Set Up New Desktops: Open Mission Control, then click the + in the top-right corner to create a new desktop. You can assign apps to specific desktops, and then use Split View on each desktop for focused multitasking.
- Switch Between Desktops: To quickly move between desktops, swipe left or right with three fingers on your trackpad. This keeps your workspace organized and efficient.
5. Keep Apps Aligned with Dock for Easy Access
When using Split View, keep apps in the Dock for easy access. Instead of cluttering your desktop with numerous open windows, you can quickly click the app icon in the Dock to bring it back into Split View when needed.
6. Customize Split-Screen Experience with Third-Party Apps
While macOS’s native Split View works well, third-party apps can enhance the experience further.
- Magnet: This app lets you snap windows into predefined areas, making it easier to arrange multiple apps side by side. Magnet is great for those who need more control over window positioning.
- BetterSnapTool: Similar to Magnet, BetterSnapTool allows you to snap windows into custom grids and resize them with more flexibility, which can be especially useful for power users who need complex layouts.
7. Make the Most of Split View with Multi-Tasking Apps
Some apps are designed to work better with Split View. For example, you can use a note-taking app on one side and a web browser or research app on the other. Many productivity apps, like Evernote, Notion, and Google Docs, work seamlessly in Split View, helping you focus on multiple tasks at once.
Troubleshooting Common Split-Screen Issues on Mac
Although Split View is a fantastic feature, you might encounter some problems. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them:
1. Split View Won’t Activate
- Solution: Make sure your apps are updated and running on macOS version that supports Split View. Additionally, check that the apps you’re trying to use are compatible with full-screen mode.
2. Apps Are Not Resizing Correctly
- Solution: If resizing is not working properly, try restarting the apps. Also, ensure that you’re clicking and dragging the divider carefully.
3. Unable to Exit Split View
- Solution: To exit Split View, move your cursor to the top of the screen to reveal the menu bar. Then, click the green button again in one of the apps to exit full-screen mode. You’ll be back to your regular desktop view.
How to Exit Split View and Return to Normal Mode
When you’re done using Split View and want to return to the regular desktop view, follow these steps:
- Move your cursor to the top of the screen until the menu bar appears.
- Click the green button on either app window to exit full-screen mode.
- The windows will return to their normal size, and you can continue using them as regular desktop apps.
Alternative Ways to Split Screen on Mac
While macOS offers Split View for efficient multitasking, you can also explore third-party apps that offer more customization and features. Some popular tools include:
- Magnet: A window management app that allows you to snap windows into place with keyboard shortcuts.
- BetterSnapTool: Another useful app for organizing windows, making it easy to snap windows into various grid layouts.
Conclusion
Mastering Split View on your Mac can significantly boost your productivity by allowing you to work on multiple apps simultaneously. Whether you’re managing emails, browsing the web, or reviewing documents, Split View offers a simple and effective solution for multitasking. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily split your screen, resize apps, and enhance your work experience on your Mac.
If you have any more questions or tips about Split View or multitasking on macOS, feel free to share them in the comments below. We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
